Hotel in Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Red Sea
Turtles Inn Marsa Alam
Turtles Inn is a charming eco-oriented dive resort at Port Ghalib, 65km south of Marsa Alam airport, offering comfortable bungalow-style accommodation right on the beach with a spectacular house reef. The resort has an excellent PADI dive center, an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and a relaxed beachside restaurant serving fresh fish. Its location provides access to Abu Dabbab, Elphinstone, and the southern Marsa Alam dive sites.
Turtles Inn is a boutique dive and beach resort located at Port Ghalib on the southern Red Sea coast of Egypt, positioned approximately 65 kilometres south of Marsa Alam International Airport and well within reach of the region's most celebrated diving and snorkeling sites. The resort occupies a beachfront position in a quieter section of the Port Ghalib development, offering an eco-conscious atmosphere that contrasts with the large all-inclusive resorts further north along the Red Sea Governorate's coastline.
Accommodation is in bungalow-style units distributed across the property, giving the resort a more intimate, village-like character compared to the block-format hotels common in Hurghada. Rooms are designed for functionality and comfort rather than luxury, with air conditioning, private outdoor spaces, and views oriented toward the beach and sea. The house reef accessible directly from the beach is an exceptional asset: guests can snorkel immediately from shore over healthy coral formations that support sea turtles, dugongs, and a diverse reef fish population.
The PADI dive center is the operational heart of Turtles Inn, running daily excursions to sites including Abu Dabbab Bay — famous for reliable dugong and sea turtle encounters — Elphinstone Reef, one of Egypt's premier deep-water drift dives known for oceanic whitetip shark sightings, and Dolphin Reef near Marsa Alam town. The southern Red Sea is widely regarded as having cleaner and less crowded reefs than the northern sites, and the resort's positioning gives divers efficient access to this distinctive zone.
An infinity pool overlooks the sea and serves as a social focal point between dives. The beachside restaurant specialises in fresh fish and seafood, with Egyptian staples supplementing the menu. The atmosphere at Turtles Inn is calm and deliberately unhurried — suited to guests whose priority is underwater exploration rather than resort entertainment. The remoteness of the Port Ghalib location is worth considering in advance, as restaurants and shops beyond the resort require transport.
Amenities
- house reef
- beach
- infinity pool
- PADI dive center
- restaurant
- wifi
- snorkeling equipment
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +20-65-370-0490
Location
Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
25.0000, 34.9000 — View on map
Highlights
- Bungalow-style eco resort with a direct-access house reef supporting sea turtles and dugongs
- PADI dive center running daily trips to Elphinstone Reef, Abu Dabbab, and Dolphin Reef
- Infinity pool overlooking the Red Sea in a quiet Port Ghalib coastal setting
- Southern Red Sea location offering uncrowded reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity
- Beachside restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood with direct ocean views
Tips
- Book dive spots well in advance during the October to April peak season — the center fills up quickly
- Snorkeling directly from the house reef is best in the morning before afternoon winds create surface chop
- Abu Dabbab dugong sightings are most reliable in early morning sessions — ask the dive center for timing advice
- Elphinstone Reef is an advanced dive with strong currents — confirm experience requirements with the center before arrival
- The nearest town facilities beyond the resort are at Port Ghalib, approximately 10 minutes by taxi
FAQ
Are sea turtles reliably seen at the house reef?
The house reef at Turtles Inn and the Abu Dabbab site nearby are well-known for frequent sea turtle sightings, particularly green turtles. Encounters are common but not guaranteed, as wildlife behaviour is unpredictable.
Is the resort suitable for non-divers?
Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling from the house reef, the infinity pool, the beach, and day trips to local sites. However, the resort's primary identity and guest base are oriented around diving and underwater experiences.
How do guests reach Port Ghalib from the airport?
Marsa Alam International Airport is approximately 65 kilometres north of Port Ghalib. Transfers can be arranged through the resort or by taxi, with the road journey taking around 50 to 60 minutes.
What is the best time of year to visit?
October through April offers the most comfortable climate, with water temperatures between 22°C and 26°C and excellent underwater visibility. Summer months are very hot on land, though diving conditions remain generally good year-round.
Accessibility
The bungalow layout involves outdoor paths between units and the beach, some of which may be uneven. The beachfront and pool areas are on fairly level ground, though the sandy beach approach can present challenges for wheelchair users. Guests with mobility requirements should enquire directly with the resort before booking.
When to visit
October through April is the recommended season for visiting Turtles Inn, offering comfortable land temperatures and excellent diving visibility. Dugong encounters at Abu Dabbab are possible year-round, while Elphinstone's oceanic whitetip sharks are most frequently sighted from October to January.